President Yoweri Museveni urged National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders to steer clear of internal divisions and backstabbing, stressing the importance of unity and support within the party.

This was at the thanksgiving ceremony for Phionah Nyamutoro, the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals) and national youth representative, on Saturday, August 3, at Nebbi Secondary School, to celebrate her new ministerial position.

Museveni highlighted the importance of fostering a collaborative environment that encourages talent and commitment while avoiding the pitfalls of favouritism and conflict.

He used Nyamutoro’s rise as a case in point to stress the importance of recognising and nurturing talent within the party.

Reflecting on his initial encounter with Nyamutoro during a campaign for a candidate named Orombi years back, where her dedication stood out to him despite her age then, contrasting with the more common pursuits of her peers, like socialising in nightclubs.

“I noted her because while others were in night clubs, she was here campaigning. That’s how you identify leaders of quality,” Museveni said.

“Later on, I met her as a candidate for a youth leader for Parliament. I don’t take sides, but I could see that if she was elected, she would make a good leader. When she was elected, I noted her among the backbenchers; that’s why when I appointed her, people didn’t know that I know such people quietly,” he explained.

Museveni went on to emphasize the need for senior NRM leaders to avoid favouritism and internal conflicts, which can undermine the party’s unity and effectiveness.

“That’s why we have team building in NRM,” he explained. “To identify talent, commitment, and development. That’s how we have been building over the years.”

The President urged leaders to cultivate a culture of support and encouragement rather than discouragement driven by personal biases.

“Therefore, all of you make it a habit to identify promising people and encourage them. Don’t discourage them because of selfishness,” he advised.

“You, the leader, should not take sides among your children, saying this one is better than the other. Tell the constituencies to give me the best NRM candidate that they like, and that’s the one you support against the other parties,” he added.

This approach, he argued, would minimise friction within the party and ensure that even those who do not advance through the primaries do not feel disenfranchised, knowing that the decisions were made by the voters.

Museveni concluded by reflecting on the experiences of individuals who left the party for the opposition due to internal conflicts and backstabbing.

“I have talked to many people who ended up joining the opposition,” he noted. “They say I left because of backstabbing in the party, and yet it is not necessary.” 

His message was clear: a unified, ideologically driven approach is essential for the party’s success and longevity.